As the countdown to Edo governorship election billed for September 21 continues, the factional Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Hilton Idahosa, has called on the party members to be united and close ranks.
Idahosa said if the imbroglio in the party is not quickly resolved it would affect the electoral fortune of the party in the September election, stressing that the party is at the point of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Speaking with newsmen at his campaign’s headquarters in Benin, Idahosa, who is of Lamidi Apapa-led faction, said: “l has the utmost assurances that the people of Edo State will be ready to give Labour Party their mandate this September, only if we come in as a united, committed and dedicated Labour Party.
“Nobody attains victory on the battlefield following indecisive, disunited and disjointed preparations.
“We must keep our eyes on the big picture and sheathe our swords to allow for a truthfully genuine reconciliation, ahead of the September 2024 election. Let the healing process begin now.”
He lamented the porous state of Edo State, which, he said, is as a result of maladministration by successive governments, including the present administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“Edo State, from inception, has suffered unbearable maladministration from successive governments cutting across the two major political parties. These and many other reasons gave the Labour Party massive electoral victories at the last general elections.
“It is now safe to say Edo State has become a stronghold of the Labour Party and the headquarters of the OBIdient Movement in particular.
“The wanton looting and irresponsible style of governance as witnessed in the state till today clearly shows that our leaders, both past and present, have lost touch and lack empathy as regards the yearnings and aspirations of Edo people.
“To this end, LP is presenting the possibility of a paradigm shift and a credible, dedicated and trustworthy alternative political platform in Nigeria considering the leadership style of Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, the only state controlled by the Labour Party in Nigeria at the moment,” Idahosa said.